FAA temporarily suspends medical certificate enforcement

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a notice on Friday stating that they will not be enforcing medical certificate currency for pilots whose medical expires after March 30th.

Pilot medicals of any class that expire after this date can be used until June 30th, with no enforcement action or penalty. The FAA stated that it made this decision in order to allow medical professionals that act as designated aviation medical examiners to focus their efforts on the COVID19 pandemic.

This enforcement change came after the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, among many other general and commercial aviation associations, called upon the FAA to relax deadlines for time critical pilot certification tasks, including check rides and knowledge tests.

“The FAA is meeting the moment by finding the quickest and most effective path to address an urgent need, and we deeply appreciate the creative thinking and recognition that keeping general aviation operational serves a greater good,” said AOPA President Mark Baker.

Ryan Waguespack, Senior Vice President the National Air Transportation Association also commented on the notice, stating that the move was necessary to keep Part 135 carriers operating. “NATA is grateful the FAA is continuing to listen to our requests to support the 135 industry during this critical time.”